In a landmark lecture at Swansea University this week, a leading Welsh historian and theologian will argue that our thinking about welfare and economics needs to be turned upside down through engagement with disabled people and carers.

Today (28 November 2012) MSPs in the Scottish Parliament are debating the Social Care Scotland Bill that will determine the support offered to unpaid carers for those with debilitating illnesses or disabilities.

Helping others with their burdens is not a matter of prescriptive advice based on dogma or prejudice, or trying to take charge of others’ lives, says Savi Hensman, drawing deeply on Christian scriptural wisdom. Instead it involves being willing to listen, learn and engage.

The Methodist Church is promoting 'Encircled in Care', a resource for all those who care for others, which it has produced in partnership with the charity MHA. The pack is designed to train, empower and enable pastoral support.

The Methodist Church in Britain is seeking to offer help with the often hidden mental health issues and problems faced within society at large - and not least within the churches. Its concern is for carers as well as suffers.